Swedish Ski Association issues statement on the visa issue and the World Ski Championships in Falun 2027

The Swedish Ski Association's stance on Russian and Belarusian participation in international competitions remains firm. In light of recent reporting, the Swedish Ski Association would like to clarify its role in the visa issue and the division of responsibilities between the organizations and authorities involved. At the same time, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has confirmed that the issue of moving the World Ski Championships from Falun in 2027 has not even been discussed within the FIS.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Swedish Ski Association, like its Nordic neighbors, has considered that Russian and Belarusian skiers should not participate in international competitions as long as the war continues. The Swedish Ski Association has expressed this position within the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

The FIS Council has decided to allow Russian and Belarusian skiers to participate as individual neutral athletes, under special conditions. The Swedish Ski Association respects and follows the decisions and regulations made within the International Ski and Snowboard Association, even when the Swedish Ski Association's principled position is different.

During the spring, the Swedish Ski Association raised the issue of visas and entry in dialogue with the Swedish Sports Federation (RF), in light of how other countries have handled similar issues. The Swedish Ski Association has not pursued the issue further or requested any specific decision. The continued dialogue at the national level is handled by the Swedish Sports Federation, which represents the entire Swedish sports movement.

The government has also drawn attention to the visa issue and announced that the legal conditions are being investigated. The Swedish Ski Association does not conduct any active lobbying process and does not make any decisions. It is not the Swedish Ski Association that makes decisions about visas and entry to Sweden. Issues about visas and entry are decided by the competent authorities in accordance with current legislation.

No discussions about moving the World Ski Championships to Falun

The Swedish Ski Association has an ongoing and good dialogue with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, where the recent information about the World Ski Championships in Falun 2027 has also been touched upon. FIS has confirmed that there have been no discussions within the organization about moving the championship from Falun and that there are no such plans. It is unfortunate that the information has been disseminated in the media and has created unnecessary concern about the championship.

The Swedish Ski Association and the International Ski and Snowboard Association have a very good dialogue and, together with the organizer, look forward to creating a fantastic World Ski Championships in Falun in 2027.